Lionel Messi purchases Spanish fifth-tier club UE Cornella
Lionel Messi has become the majority owner of Spanish fifth-division club UE Cornella, according to a statement released by the player and cited by Marca. The Barcelona legend and current Inter Miami star has purchased the semi-professional club based just outside the Catalan capital, a move that hints at his long-term plans beyond playing. The 38-year-old forward remains under contract with his MLS side until 2028 but has now made a significant investment in the Spanish football pyramid.
UE Cornella currently competes in the Tercera RFEF, the fifth tier of Spanish football. The club, founded in 1951, is noted for its productive academy, which has produced players such as Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya, former Barcelona defender Jordi Alba, and Espanyol forward Javi Puado. Interestingly, Alba himself is now the owner of L’Hospitalet, a rival club in the same division, setting up a unique off-pitch dynamic between the two former teammates.
The purchase has sparked speculation about Messi's future living arrangements after his playing career concludes. Earlier this season, during a visit to Barcelona's stadium, Messi referred to the city as "home" and expressed a desire to live in Catalonia again. He has never sold his house in the Barcelona area. This investment in a local club strengthens the possibility of a permanent return, despite reportedly strained relations with Barcelona president Joan Laporta that have complicated plans for a formal homage at Camp Nou.
Messi's immediate sporting future remains focused on Inter Miami, where he signed a contract extension this year. The primary question surrounding his career timeline is whether he will feature for Argentina at the 2026 World Cup. National team manager Lionel Scaloni has stated he will do everything possible to facilitate Messi's participation, though the player himself has been reluctant to make a firm commitment. This club purchase is seen as a strategic step into football ownership, aligning with a growing trend of former stars investing in lower-league clubs.
The move represents a tangible link for Messi to maintain a direct connection with Spanish football. While his playing days at the highest level are in their final phase, ownership of Cornella provides a pathway into club management and administration. It also solidifies his legacy within the Catalan sporting community, independent of any future reconciliation with Barcelona's current board. For UE Cornella, the investment and global spotlight brought by Messi's ownership could prove transformative for the club's development and profile.
